Italian midfielder Aquilani, bought as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, has not played since his £20million summer move from Roma due to an ankle problem.

“Alberto is the perfect replacement for Alonso,” said Riise, who played alongside Aquilani for a season in Serie A.

“He talked to me a lot when he got the offer from Liverpool, and I told him, ‘You have to take this chance, you have to go’.

“When he is fit and ready to play he will show what he is capable of, I am sure. He is a fantastic player on the ball, very technical.

“He is different to Alonso but he is the sort of player who can break teams down. What are his qualities? He is a very good passer of the ball; he runs a lot; finds space everywhere and he likes to get in the box to score goals.

“As well as that he has a good shot, and he is a smart player. When he settles into the English way of playing he will be very good.”